How to get Verpflichtungserklärung or Declaration of Commitment in Germany #

A Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung or VE) is an official document used to prove that your stay in Germany is financially secured when applying for a visa. By signing this document, a relative, friend, or company legally residing or registered in Germany agrees to cover all your living, medical, and return expenses during your visit.

The sponsor is responsible for costs related to accommodation, food, clothing, healthcare, and your return journey.

The German Foreign Office reviews the sponsor’s income, residence status, and housing conditions to confirm eligibility before approving the financial commitment.

What is the validity period of letter of commitment( Verpflichtungserklärung)? #

A Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) is valid for 6 months when used for a Schengen visa and 5 years for a national visa, starting from the date it was issued. If your document expires, you’ll need to obtain a new, valid Declaration of Commitment that matches the visa type you are applying for.

How to Get a Formal Obligation Letter for a German Visa #

As a visa applicant, you must receive the original signed Formal Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) directly from your host in Germany. The host is responsible for mailing the signed document to you.

Requirements to Qualify for a Declaration of Commitment in Germany #

To qualify for issuing a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung), your host in Germany must meet the following conditions:

• Clear travel plans: Your arrival and departure dates must be clearly stated.
• Financial capability: The host must prove sufficient income or savings to cover your living expenses.
• Registered address: The host must have a valid residential address in Germany.
• Legal residency: The host must be a legal resident of Germany. If they are a foreign national, their residence permit must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Personal undertaking: The host must personally sign the commitment at the local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde). Another person may apply on their behalf only with a Power of Attorney and a copy of the host’s ID or passport.

Declaration of Commitment for a Short-Term Stay (Schengen Visa) #

A Declaration of Commitment for a short-term stay confirms that a person in Germany will cover your expenses during your visit of up to 90 days. It applies to visits for family or friends, business meetings, conferences, or tourism. This document is mandatory when applying for a German Schengen visa for short-term stays.

Declaration of Commitment for a Long-Term Stay (National Visa) #

A Declaration of Commitment for a long-term stay confirms that a person in Germany will cover your expenses during a visit lasting more than 90 days. It applies to stays for purposes such as attending a language course, a study preparatory program, university or PhD studies, or staying up to six months as a job seeker after graduating from a German university.

This document is required when applying for a German National Visa (long-term stay). However, it cannot be used for family reunion visas or similar long-term residence purposes.

Requirements to apply for Verpflichtungserklärung for a German Visa #

To apply for a Formal Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) for either a Schengen or National Visa, your host in Germany must submit the following documents:

• Completed “Angaben zur Verpflichtungserklärung” form
• Valid passport or national ID card
• Copy of your valid passport (the visa applicant)
• Proof of legal residence in Germany (for foreign residents): residence permit, settlement permit, or other valid residence document
• Proof of financial stability, such as:
  • Recent salary slips (last 3 months for short-term, last 6 months for long-term visas)
  • Employment contract valid for at least 6 more months
  • Employer’s confirmation letter (issued within the last 2 weeks)
  • Unemployment benefit notice (ALG I), if applicable
  • Proof of self-employment income, such as business evaluations (BWA), tax certificates, or income statements verified by a tax consultant
  • Latest income tax assessment
  • Proof of private health insurance contributions
  • Proof of funds from a job centre, if relevant
• Proof of residence in Germany: registration certificate, rental contract, or landlord confirmation
• Documents on family or maintenance obligations, if applicable (e.g., divorce papers, proof of child support payments, or maintenance certificates)

All documents must be submitted in both original and copy form.

How to apply for Verpflichtungserklärung step by step? #

The Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) should be applied for no earlier than six months before your planned travel date.

The host must submit their supporting documents to the Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde) in the city where they are registered. This is done by appointment, which can be booked via phone, email, or in person through the local Immigration Office. The link is for Berlin

Before scheduling an appointment, the host must answer some standard questions, such as:

• How many visitors they will host
• The visitor’s marital and parental status
• The purpose and duration of the visit
• The host’s legal residence status in Germany
• Any other questions relevant to the visit

FAQs About the Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) #

How much does it cost to apply for Verpflichtungserklärung? #

The fee to obtain a Formal Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) is €29 for adults and €14.50 for minors, payable in cash. If the host does not bring their own photocopies, an additional €0.50 per copied page will be charged for each document.

How long does it take for an Application for erpflichtungserklärung to Process? #

If the host meets all requirements, the Formal Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) is usually processed within a few minutes during the appointment. If the appointment is delayed or additional checks are needed, processing may take up to one day.

What if I lose the Letter of Commitment?
If you lose the original letter, it cannot be replaced. Only the original is accepted by German authorities. You must reapply and submit all required documents again, including the application fee.

Who can use this document as proof of financial support?
The Declaration of Commitment is valid only for non-EU nationals applying for a German non-settlement visa.

Who cannot be a financial sponsor?
People receiving AsylbLG, SGB II, or SGB XII benefits, scholarship holders, or those staying in Germany with documents like Duldung, Fiktionsbescheinigung, Aufenthaltsgestattung, or a short-term visa cannot act as sponsors.

Can a host cancel their commitment?
Generally, no. It’s only possible if another person officially takes over the obligation or if the visitor can prove they can support themselves. Any change must be approved in writing by the Foreigners Authority.

When does the host’s financial responsibility end?
The host’s obligation ends when the visitor leaves Germany or obtains a residence permit for a different purpose.

Final Remarks #

The Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) is an essential document for your German visa application. Make sure to follow all the requirements and steps carefully to avoid delays or rejection. Without this document, the German Embassy may not process or approve your visa. Good luck with your visa application and your upcoming visit to Germany.

If you want to learn how to write an invitation letter for a German visa, check out our detailed article  What is an Invitation Letter and How to Write One for Germany on our website.